3 Defensive Raiders to Build Off First Performance

The Las Vegas Raiders won their first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers in dominant fashion.

They did so by being incredibly disruptive on defense, constantly pressuring the quarterback, getting key stops and forcing turnovers.

The Raiders know the key to a return to the postseason is an improved defensive unit, and Sunday’s effort was a step in the right direction.

There were a few Raiders who stood out on defense, and may have given themselves a better chance to play more in their next game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Let’s take a closer look at three Raiders on defense who have a chance to build off of their first performance.

Linebacker Amari Burney - Out of all the Raiders’ defensive rookies, Burney may have had himself the best day.

Burney’s athletic abilities were always on display as he continues to learn the linebacker position, just needing to refine some technical skills. Burney finished the day with four total tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, a quarterback hit and a pass defended.

Burney is hoping to work his way up the linebacker depth chart, and may have increased his chances to do so with this performance. He will need to build on it against the Rams if he wants to truly solidify that progress.

Linebacker Curtis Bolton - Burney wasn’t the only linebacker who had a good day.

Bolton, who re-signed with the Raiders in the offseason, finished his day with five total tackles and a forced fumble on 49ers’ rookie tight end Cameron Latu.

Bolton is another player who will be a depth piece at linebacker for the Raiders and will also play an important role on special teams. His performance on Sunday gives the Raiders yet another option at linebacker should they need it.

Defensive Tackle Neil Farrell Jr. - Farrell, a fourth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, got considerable run in his rookie season, and could be in line for a greater role in 2023.

He helped his case on Sunday, being a massive disruptor and causing two fourth-down stops. While he only had two total tackles, his impact was felt in the run game.

With the Raiders looking for answers on their interior defensive line, the continued development of Farrell is a possibility.

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